Yes, if it is mined in conditions that are against the UN declaration of the rights of children.

The mining of cobalt can be carried out without contravening the declaration that has been signed and ratified by most countries. By ratifying it said countries have undertaken to protect children from what amounts to slavery. Technology is surely capable of allowing the use of methods that are not at high risk and if a price must be paid, better in money than in children's lives. Otherwise, we may just as well get rid of the UN and let all countries just do as they please at national law level, and never ever intervene against gross violations of human rights.

Yes, if the controversy is true and child labor is being used.

Child labor should never be a source of labor, the treatment of the children is horrible. The children are deprived of a normal childhood, poor or rich a child should have a childhood. Most child labor is done with no or very little reimbursement to the children, and is usually done in horrible, dangerous, and harmful conditions that should be done by a legitimately paid adult who also wears protective gear and proper tools.

I don't think so

I really believe that the UN is overstepping their boundaries here by putting a halt to the mining of Cobalt. I believe there are more important things that they should be concerned with. For starters, let's focus on ISIS and how we can put an end to these ruthless tyrants.

The UN can't control companies mining cobalt

I don't think it's the business of the United Nations to regulation the mining of cobalt. This type of law should be passed at the country level, and if there are problems, the states and law enforcement can take care of it independently. The UN has no business to mix in the resources management.

Keep Moving Forward

While the mining of cobalt should not be done by children, the growth of technology in our modern world dictates the necessity of the materials used to continue these advancements. Surely, the advancements in engineering are able to allow these materials to be gathered without the risks to human life associated with mining work.